Hong Kong authorities to install AI tech at country parks to spot wildfires, tally visitors. But can it see the wood for the trees?

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department say using AI-based systems can ensure effective management of protected areas and save manpower‘. Management of these areas involves labour-intensive monitoring and surveillance work, such as land and sea patrols, as well as stationing of staff on-site,’ it adds. — SCMP

Hong Kong environmental authorities have said they plan to use artificial intelligence to better detect wildfires and record the number of country park visitors in an effort to conserve manpower.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department on Tuesday said that using new technologies could ensure more effective management of protected areas, as past efforts involving physical surveillance used too many staff.